CHAPTER XI
THE NEW CHIEF
Briant thought it best to say nothing of what had passed between him and his brother, even to Gordon. But the story of his trip he told to all as they sat round him that evening.
He described the eastern coast of Charman Island all round Deception Bay; he told them how East River ran through the forest, and how rich the forest was in trees of all kinds. He stated that better quarters could be found on the east than on the west, if it ever became necessary to abandon French Den. As to the sea, there was no land in sight, but he mentioned the strange white patch above the horizon which he could not explain. Probably it was merely a column of vapour, and would be explained when the next visit occurred to Deception Bay. In short, it was only too certain that Charman Island had no land near it, and doubtless many hundred miles divided it from the continent or the nearest archipelagoes.
The boys had therefore to resume their struggle for existence, awaiting some help from without, for it seemed unlikely that they would ever be able to do anything of themselves towards a rescue. They set to work vigorously preparing for the winter. Briant worked harder than ever ; and it was noticed that he had become quieter, and that like his brother he rather kept himself away from the rest. Gordon, in taking note of this change in his character, observed that Briant was always seeking to put Jack to the front on every occasion in which pluck had to be shown or danger run, and that Jack eagerly accepted such tasks. But
as Briant had said nothing to him, and gave him no opportunity of asking, Gordon remained silent, although he suspected that an explanation had taken place between the brothers.
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